Rebuilding how brands sell physical spaces; TechSparks 2026 on the New Tech Order

Hello,

The United Kingdom’s ban on social media for those under the age of 16 may have upset teens, though parents have broadly welcomed it. 

In any case, questions remain. How will the move impact education? Is this false hope masquerading as protection? Will teens find other ways to go around this—like what seems to have happened in Australia?  One thing is certain: the ban is likely to change the way everyone, both children and adults, in the country accesses the internet. 

In other news, the sweltering heat wave in Europe has prompted countries to take various emergency measures. 

As temperatures race towards record levels, France has announced a partial alcohol ban at music festivals and public events, while Germany has issued nation-wide alerts. In Madrid, the football federation has decided to close the World Cup fan zone. 

Meanwhile, here’s a look at how the world celebrated International Yoga Day, from New Delhi to Nepal. 

ICYMI: Elon Musk isn’t the only one to gain from SpaceX’s blockbuster IPO. Find out who the other billionaire shareholders are. 

In today’s newsletter, we will talk about 

• Rebuilding how brands sell physical spaces
• TechSparks 2026 on the New Tech Order

Here’s your trivia for today: Which Google hardware product, introduced in 2012, was a media-streaming device said to compete with Apple TV but was discontinued in 2013?

In-focus

Rebuilding how brands sell physical spaces

Phygital Studio unites design, hardware, software, and storytelling on its platform, called Beto, helping brands like Adani and Deloitte build immersive spaces to actively drive sales.

Founded in Bengaluru in 2014 by Pratik Nagotra, the startup builds immersive, interactive physical experiences for brands. 

Key takeaways: 

• Phygital Studio’s work spans experience centres, digital twins, interactive sales tools, projection rooms, and multi-screen installations, all powered by its proprietary platform, Beto.
• The startup’s work is built on one idea: helping brands deliver a complete, measurable experience in a single interaction.
• All experiences run on the Beto platform. It has three parts: Composer, a visual interface for building experiences without code; a CMS that hosts experiences and assigns them to devices via licence keys; and Player, the application that runs content on screens. 

Events

TechSparks 2026 on The New Tech Order

TechSparks 2026, to be held in Bengaluru from October 13-15, will bring together founders, policymakers, investors, enterprises, developers, and creators to shape the next era of technology and innovation.

YourStory's flagship startup-tech summit this year is themed around ‘The New Tech Order’. 

Key takeaways: 

• This year's summit is built around a simple idea. The future is not waiting to be discussed; it is being built in real time. 
• Across three days, conversations will focus on how emerging technologies are reshaping industries, institutions, and markets, and what that means for the people building within them. The programme combines keynote sessions, fireside chats, workshops, demonstrations, masterclasses, roundtables, and interactive experiences that connect big-picture shifts with practical execution.
• Discussions will explore everything from India's role in a changing global technology landscape to the realities of deploying new technologies within businesses and institutions. Alongside those conversations, hands-on sessions will delve into enterprise workflows, governance frameworks, and operational challenges. 

News & updates

• Impending exit: Keir Starmer is expected to announce his departure as prime minister on Monday, after pressure from Labour MPs to make way for Andy Burnham to become Labour leader. 
• Climate risks: A United Nations report says that children are “disproportionately affected” by climate-related risks the world over. Almost all of the world's children are exposed to at least one climate hazard, with as many as 1.8 billion put in danger by droughts and 1.2 billion by extreme heat, it says. 

What you should watch out for

• Climate action: London Climate Action Week, running from June 20 to 28, is one of the world’s largest independent climate events. A key moment in the global climate calendar, it brings together policymakers, businesses, investors, and communities across London for global and local climate action. 
• MSME Day: International MSME Day is on June 27 to celebrate the contributions of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to the global economy, sustainable development, and local job creation.

Which Google hardware product, introduced in 2012, was a media-streaming device said to compete with Apple TV but was discontinued in 2013?

Answer: Nexus Q

We would love to hear from you! To let us know what you liked and disliked about our newsletter, please mail [email protected]. 

If you don’t already get this newsletter in your inbox, sign up here. For past editions of the YourStory Buzz, you can check our Daily Capsule page here.